Want to learn more about art? Behind-the-scenes museum work? Non-profit governance? Gain professional skills? And join a community of like-minded peers? Apply to the WAM Collective!

WAM Collective is the official student group of the Weisman Art Museum.

The Collective works in tandem with WAM’s Education and Engagement Directors on educational and social programs that explore the intersectionality of the museum’s collection in relation to the surrounding campus community.

Programs and activities include:

Events

Like monthly Study Nights where the Collective transforms the museum’s Riverview Gallery into the perfect study spot. Collective members also have the opportunity to plan study night pop-up performances, study breaks and lead tours. Other events include open-mic nights, book readings, film screenings, a design showcase, and ‘Bring Your Own Business Card’ an informal networking event for students interested in the creative sector.

Workshops

Each semester WAM Collective hosts hands-on art making workshops that are presented in conjunction with the museum’s permanent collection and traveling exhibition program. Members of the WAM Collective work with local and visiting artists to research, design and execute one-of-a-kind art experiences for U of M students.

Research and Tours

WAM Collective will learn about the museum’s collection and traveling exhibition program from curators, registrars, educators and by conducting their own research in the museum’s database and Art Study room. Collective members learn visual and verbal literacy strategies, explore the intersection of disciplines through writing and art, and create deeper meaning-making by designing experimental and participatory tour models for the public.

Digital Engagement

Digital engagement is woven into the fabric of all WAM Collective programs and initiatives. Members will collaborate with WAM staff on campaigns and interpretive strategies to engage campus and community members with WAM and it’s resources through blogging, social media, film-making, and other forms of media making.

Professional Development

Professional development is at the heart of the WAM Collective program and students will have the opportunity to work with professional artists and museum staff, participate in field trips to other arts and cultural organizations for research and ideation sessions, attend internal workshops and seminars, host external lectures and programs, network with leaders in the local creative sector and participate in a mentorship program with the museum’s Colleagues Advisory Board. Members of WAM Collective leave the program with a comprehensive portfolio of their work, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in: program evaluation, event planning, grant writing, public relations, digital media and a working knowledge of non-profit governance and museum best practices.

Application Process

What are you waiting for? WAM Collective is now taking applications for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year! To apply, fill out the application by SEPTEMBER 13, 2017. Early application is suggested. For more information on how to join WAM Collective or to get involved with the Weisman Art Museum, contact Katie Covey, Director of Student Engagement at covey013@umn.edu.

About The WAM Collective aims to connect the museum and the UMN community through innovative, educational, and social activities. Members of WAM Collective have the opportunity to collaborate with museum departments, UMN student groups, and community organizations. Application to WAM Collective is open to any UMN student, regardless of area of study. Members of the Collective may…

It’s fall semester of the 2016-2017 school year. WAM Collective will continue to hold it’s once a month study nights. What is WAM Collective you might ask? It is the Weisman Art Museum’s official student group. The focus of the group is to help bring together the WAM and U of M community through innovative and…

In conjunction with the Weisman’s exhibition, A Culture of Pots, the WAM Shop is selling one-of-a-kind pieces by University of Minnesota student ceramicists. WAM Collective member Lauren Gengler sat down with junior Cassi Miesner, Vice President of the Ceramics Collective (and Visitor Services Representative at WAM!) to discuss her artistic process and relationship with clay….